This is a bronze candlestick, one of a pair, made in Italy in about 1570. This candlestick is formed by three kneeling cupids, connected by garlands, upholding a vase-shaped pillar decorated with masks and strap work.

The object was bought by the Museum from the Soulages Collection. Jules Soulages was a collector of French and Italian Renaissance art. After his death his collection was acquired by the Museum. Born in Toulouse in 1803, Jules Soulages practised as a lawyer in Paris and was founding member of the Société Archeologique du Midi de la France. He created an extensive collection of French and Italian Renaissance decorative art from 1825. Soulages died on 13 October 1857, aged 54. The dealer John Webb was despatched to examine and report on the collection, which was purchased between 1859 and 1865 in installments for £11,000 with the assistance of 73 subscribers.

Physical description

The candlestick formed by three kneeling cupids, connected by garlands, upholding a vase-shaped pillar decorated with masks and strap work.

Place of Origin

Italy (made)

Date

ca. 1570 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Bronze, cast and chased

Dimensions

Height: 22.86 cm

Object history note

Bought from the Soulages Collection for £15, in 1865.

Descriptive line

Candlestick, bronze, one of a pair, formed by three kneeling cupids, Italy, 1570

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Inventory of Art Objects acquired in the Year 1865. Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol. 1. London : Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 10